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1
SOCIO-ECONOMIC STUDY
IN
GULF OF MOTTAMA
By –
Dr. Tint Swe Professor (Retd), Marine Science Department Chief
Dr. Naung Naung Oo Assistant Lecturer, Marine Science Department Participant
U Myo Min Tun Assistant Lecturer, Marine Science Department Participant
Daw Thazin Htet Demonstrator, Marine Science Department Participant
2
Contents 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................ 4
2. Objective .................................................................................................................... 6
3. Survey Team and Area ............................................................................................... 7
Survey Team .................................................................................................................. 7
Survey Area ................................................................................................................... 7
4. Itinerary ...................................................................................................................... 8
5. Materials and Methods ............................................................................................. 11
6. Results ...................................................................................................................... 13
6.1 Fisheries Status ...................................................................................................... 13
6.1.1 Fish species .................................................................................................... 13
6.1.2 The distribution and occurrence of fishes .................................................... 13
6.1.3 Fish production .............................................................................................. 23
6.1.4 Fishing boats .................................................................................................. 26
6.1.5 Fishing gears .................................................................................................. 29
6.1.6 Abundance and spawning season ................................................................. 34
6.1.7 Discussions ................................................................................................ 37
6.1.8 Conclusion ................................................................................................. 38
Suggestions .................................................................................................................. 39
6.2 Socioeconomics (Livelihood) ................................................................................ 40
Objective ...................................................................................................................... 40
6.2.1 Profiles of study areas. ................................................................................... 41
6.2.2 Education status and Health .................................................................... 43
6.2.3 Primary Occupation status ....................................................................... 45
6.2.4 Coastal and Marine Activities........................................................................ 47
6.2.5 Attitude towards indirect use values, option values and ......................... 47
6.2.6 Climate hazard .......................................................................................... 49
3
6.2.7 Perceived threats to resources .................................................................. 49
6.2.8 Material style of life .................................................................................. 49
6.2.9 Conclusion ................................................................................................ 50
Comment and Suggestions ........................................................................................... 51
References .................................................................................................................... 51
4
1. Introduction
Myanmar has terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and marine waters cover a total area of
approximately 486,000 km2, 8.1 million hectares of inland fresh water bodies and a large
number of estuaries, rivers, creeks, streams, natural ponds, lakes and puddles. The major
fishing areas occur in the down streams tributaries of the Ayeyawaddy, the Thanlwin and the
Sittaung rivers. A long coastline and the swamp along the coast of Myanmar serve as
spawning, nursery and feeding grounds for aquatic life (Anonymous, 2009). Myanmar
possesses a considerable diversity of coastal habitat, including coral reefs, mangroves, sandy
beaches and mudflats. During the monsoon season flooded plain are breeding and nursery
grounds for fresh water fishes. Fisheries have major role in social and economic development
because Myanmar people are largely and mainly depend on rice and fish consumers. Fishes
and fish products are the major source of animal protein. These can be utilized as food in
many forms such as fresh, dried, salted, sauce and paste for the whole country. Fishery sector
provide the food security as well as employment opportunity to a large number of fisheries
communities and rural dwellers.
The Mon State is located between L 15º 10' N and 17º 30' N and L 96º 46' and 98º
15' E with a unique ecosystem. The Gulf of Mottama is located at the mouth of Sittaung and
the Thanlwin river along with two small rivers, the Gyine and Attran. This coastal area is
characterized by the fluctuation of seawater flood and fresh water discharge.
The Gulf of Mottama, covering an area of 42,500 hectares is Myanmar's fourth
Wetland of International Importance. The site (Ramsar Site No. 2299) is situated at the mouth
of the Sittaung River. The Site supports a large number of species including marine fish
invertebrates and up to 150,000 migratory waterbirds in the winter season. The Gulf of
Mottama also support the livelihood of thousands of people by providing fish for local and
regional consumption.
The designation of the site as a Wetland of International Importance was made
possible through consultations between government and local communities, and they are
working towards the implementation of a management plan.
The Gulf of Mottama coastal area has a broad mud flats, sandy beaches flood plains,
salt marshes and mangrove trees. Two prominent rivers, the Thanlwin and the Sittaung Rivers
flow into the Gulf of Mottama. The study sites are situated on the mouth of Sittaung river. It
is a very good area for fish spawning and nursery ground of commercial fish such as
croakers, threadfin, mullet and seabass. The various types of fishing gears are used to exploit
the large diversity of fish fauna found in the Gulf of Mottama waters. The fishing gears are
classified into commercial such as trawl net, purse seines, drift net and gill net, and traditional
5
including hook and line, cast net, bag net, trammel gill net, traps and fence net. And the
fishing vessels are used mainly on mediun sized boats.
Similar to other species groups in Myanmar, there is also a need for a comprehensive
global threat assessment of fish species in order to identify global conservation priorities in
Myanmar. The fish diversity of Myanmar's non-marine habitats is seriously threatened by
destructive fishing practices, dam construction, pollution and invasive specious. A number of
fish species may be threatened with global extinction particularly among the fauna of
Myanmar which is extremely sensitive and supports national endemic. To date, however, no
fish species confirmed of occur in non- marine habitats in Myanmar have been assessed as
globally threatened.
(Source; www.EndengeredspeciesMyanmar.org)
6
2. Objective
The present study contributed fisheries and Socioeconomic Monitoring of the some villages
in the Gulf of Mottama. This project was funded by Network Activities Group (NAG). The
objective of the survey are as follow:
- To study the fish and fishery status
- To reveal occurrence fish species and their distribution
- To observe fishing gears and fishing vessels
- To provide fisheries information to the Gulf of Mottama RAMSAR site.
- To provide the livelihood and socioeconomic of fishermen from some fishing villages
- To fulfill the informative requirements for the users in relation to fishery sector.
7
3. Survey Team and Area
Survey Team The survey team was participated in survey trip to investigate and observe in the study
villages.
Dr. Tint Swe Professor (Retd), Marine Science Department Chief
Dr. Naung Naung Oo Assistant Lecturer, Marine Science Department Participant
U Myo Min Tun Assistant Lecturer, Marine Science Department Participant
Daw Thazin Htet Demonstrator, Marine Science Department Participant
Survey Area The survey area is situated on the east coast of the Gulf of Mottama in Mon State. It is
designated as a Ramsar Site. A total of 10 survey area was located in three townships,
Thaton, Bilin and Kyaikhto. The villages Aungkanthar, Gyophyugone and Hatchery Station
are in Thaton Township, Zokekali, Ywadanshe, Taunggyi and Koetalsu are in Bilin Township
and Sutpanu, Boyargyi and Kyaukseik are in Kyaikhto Township. (Fig. 1)
Figure 1. Map showing the survey villages of the Gulf of Mottama in Mon State
8
4. Itinerary The total four trips were made to the east coast of the Gulf of Mottama during study period
April 2017 to September 2017. The survey team went to the three townships Thaton, Bilin
and Kyaikhto in 10 study sites ( 9 villages and 1 hatchery). The express bus, boat, motor cycle
and tri-wheel cycle taxi which is locally known as “Sampalaw” are the main transportation
vehicle to go around the area.
Table 1(A). The first trip to the study site of the Gulf of Mottama (5.5.2017-9.5.2017)
Table 1(B). The second trip to the study sites of the Gulf of Mottama (12-17 Aug, 2017)
Date From To Vehicle Activities
12.8.2017 Mawlamyine Bilin Express Collect village profiles at Rural Development Department (RDD) and night stay in Bilin.
13.8.2017 Bilin Zoke kali village Taxi Go to coastal fishing area, take
Date From To Vehicle Activities
5.5.2017 Mawlamyine Thaton Express Go to DoF and collect some information.
Night stayed.
6.5.2017 Thaton Aungkanthar
village
Boat Collect fish samples and take photos,
Fisherman consultation held at
Aungkanthar village regarding resource
use and livelihood assessment. Do
transect walk and visual inspection of the
community profiles come back and stay
at Thaton
7.5.2017 Thaton Kyaikhto Express Go to fish buyers (Mawlamyine Holding
Company) and inform the fishery states
and status. Night stayed
8.5.2017 Kyaikthto Sutpanu
village
Taxi Go to Sutpanu village Conducted public
consultation on fishery resources and
livelihood assessment. Make the transect
walk and visual inspection of
communities profile. Come back
Kyaikhto and night stayed.
9.5.2017 Kyaikthto Lauding site Taxi Observe landing fishes and take photos.
Kyaikthto Mawlamyine Express Return to Mawlamyine
9
fishery photos and collect information include fishing gears and vessels. Some Livelihood and socioeconomics data are collected Return back Bilin.
14.8.2017 Bilin Kyaikhto Express Collect some information at RDD Kyaikhto office Go to Fish Buyer Site (Nga dai), interview and take sample photos, night stop.
15.8.2017 Kyaikhto Sutpanu village Taxi Interview with fisher and head of village GAD. collect information and visit to coastal fish landing site. Return back Kyaikhto.
16.8.2017 Kyaikhto Thaton Express Go to DoF (District and Township) and collect fishery information. Go to fish market and take fish photos. Night stop.
17.8.2017 Thaton Fish hatchery station Mawlamyine
Taxi
Express
Visit to fish hatchery station, which is only one station in Mon State. Observe and inter view there. Return back Mawlamyine.
Table 1(C). The third trip to the study site of the Gulf of Mottama (26-31 Aug, 2017)
Date From To Vehicle Activities 26.8.2017 Mawlamyine
Kyaikhto Kyaikhto Boyargyi
Express Taxi
Transit and go to Boyargyi village. Meet head of village GAD, collect fishery information and village profile. Return to Kyaikhto and night stop.
27.8.2017 Kyaikhto Boyargyi village Taxi Fisherman consultation in Boyargyi village regarding resources use/harvest and livelihood assessment. After that, do transit walk and visual inspection of the community profiles. Come back Kyaikhto night stop.
28.8.2017 Kyaikhto Bilin Express Go to Township Rural Development Department (RDD) and copy the data of
10
Ywadanshe and Taunggyi villages collect fish sample in fish market. Night stop.
29.8.2017 Bilin Ywatanshe village Taxi Boat
Collect fishery information, village profiles and livelihood data from village head. Very closed to Shanchaung village. Return back Bilin.
30.8.2017 Bilin Thaton Express Go to RDD office and copy the village profile data for Aungkanthar and Gyophyugone villages. Contact DoF to meet fishers, some information is collected.
31.8.2017 Thaton Fish hatchery station Mawlamyine
Taxi Express
Hatchery station observation Return to Mawlamyine.
Table 1(D). The fourth trip to the study site of the Gulf of Mottama (16-21 Sept, 2017)
Date From To Vehicle Activities 16.9.2017 Mawlamyine Kyaikhto Express Go to fish buyer
Mawlamyine holding Co. Ltd. informed fishery night stayed
17.9.2017 Kyaikhto Kyaukseik Taxi Fisherman consultation in Kyaukseik village regarding resources and livelihood. Do walk and visual inspection of the community profile and coastal landing site. Come back Kyaikhto nigh stop
18.9.2017 Kyaikhto Bilin Koetalsu Express Taxi
Go to Bilin Township. Then trip to Koetalsu village and make interview with fisherman. Do walk and visual inspection of community profile and coastal bank. Comeback Bilin nigh stop.
11
19.9.2017 Bilin Thaton Express Go to DoF of Thaton and
collect some fishery data. Night stayed.
20.9.2017 Thaton Gyophyugone Taxi Fisherman consultation in Gyophyugone village. Side walk and visual inspection of the community profile and coastal lauding site including dams. Night stayed.
21.9.2017 Thaton Mawlamyine Express Return back Mawlamyine Transit from Hatchery station
5. Materials and Methods The study group went to the selected towns and villages. Sample collections were carried out
at the landing sites, fish markets and fish collectors (fish buyer) including walk-sellers in the
villages. The team visit to the selected sites, villages and fish market using a motorized local
boat and motorbike “sampalaw”. The team traveled in the study area to collect fish sample
and recorded then the position of target selection area. Utilized fishing gears and catch were
also recorded.
In the survey, the team was practiced in data collection, interview, market observation
and visual inspection were conducted in study villages. Fishermen, village authorities and
villagers at each selected village were interviewed for fish and fishery information and other
livelihood data.
The team made the random transit-walk in the village, traveled to Department of
Fishery, Basic Education Schools, Administrative Office, Rural Development Department,
visited to River bank, beach coast, fish landing site dam and water flow current, coastal flood
plain areas and mangrove swamps.
Data collections by using the SOC MON methodology were carried out in the study
villages. The Key Information (KI) and House Hold (HH) indicators were chosen and
decision-making, Data collection were using three complementary research methods namely,
Household Interview (HHI), Key Information Interview (KII) and Focused Group
Discussions (FGD).
The identification of fish was mainly based on FAO identification sheets and
catalogue for fishery purposes and http://fishbase.org. And also concern document of reports
12
and Thesis papers of Marine Science Department, Mawlamyine University were recorded in
desk study.
13
6. Results
6.1 Fisheries Status
6.1.1 Fish species In the present study, a total of 60 fish species was recorded in area. They were 51 species of
fish, 1 species of shrimp, 6 species of crabs and 2 species of eels Table 2 and Table 3.
In the present study, the recorded fishes were also mentioned common name, local
name and IUCN Red list in Table 2 and 3.
6.1.2 The distribution and occurrence of fishes The distribution and occurrence of fishes in the study villages were mentioned in Table 4. The
most occurrence fish species is 34 numbers in Supanu village, followed by Aungkanthar and
Boyargyi, 33 and 32 numbers, respectively. The least number of occurrence fish was found in
Koetalsu and Taunggyi villages about 19 and 20 respectively. (Fig. 2)
Table 2. Systematic list of fish in study areas
Class Order Family Scientific Name Common
Name Local Name
IUCN
Status
Act
inop
tery
gii
Anguilliformes
Muraenesocidac
Congresox talabon (Cuvier,1829)
Pike fish Nga Shwe NT
Beloniformes Belonidae Strongylura strongylura (van - Hasselt, 1823)
Long tone, needle fish
Nga phaung yoe
NE
Clupeiformes
Engraulididae
Thryssa mystax (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Anchovy Nga byar LC
Setipinna taty (Valenciennes, 1848)
Anchovy Nga byar NE
Coilia dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1848)
Gold spotted grenadier anchovy
Nga kyanywet
NE
Cypriniformes
Clupeidae
Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822)
Hilsa shad Nga thalauk NE
Tenulosa toli (Valenciennes, 1847)
Toli shad Nga thalauk york pha
NE
Cyprinidae
Osteobrama belangeri (Valenciennes,1844)
Manipur osteobrama
Nga Phan ma NT
Osteobrama alfredianus (Valenciennes, 1844)
Osteobrama Nga phanma NT
Puntius chola (Hamilton, 1822)
Swamp barb
Nga Khone ma
LC
Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton, 1822)
River carp Nga gyin phyu
LC
14
Catla catla (Hamilton, 1822)
Carp Nga thine NT
Chela fasciata (Silas,1958)
Carp Ngada mauk NT
Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822)
Roholabeo Nga myit chin
LC
Tetraodonti forms
Tetraodontidae
Logocephalus lunaris (Bloch, 1801)
Puffer Nga pu tin LC
Xenopterus naritus (Richardson, 1848)
Puffer Nga pu tin NE
Mugiliformes
Mugilidae
Mugil cephalus Linnaeus, 1758
Mullet Ka bi lu LC
Rhinomugil corsula (Hamilton, 1822)
Mullet fresh water
Ka bi lu LC
Polynemiformes
Polynemidae
Eleutheronema tetradactylum (Shaw,1804)
Thread fin four finger
Nga tha yaw NE
Polynemus indicus Shaw, 1804
Indian thread fin
Ka Ku yan NE
Polynemus paradiseus (Linnaeus, 1758
Paradise thread fin
Nga hmway NE
Perciformes
Sciaenidae
Otolithoides biauritus (Cantor, 1849)
Croaker Nga Poke thin
NE
Otolithoides pama(Hamilton, 1822)
Pama creaker
Nga Poke thin
NE
Johnius coiter (Hamilton, 1822)
Croaker Nga byat NE
Chrysochir aureus (Richardson, 1846)
Croaker Thin war NE
Harpadontidae Harpadon nehereus (Hamilton, 1822)
Bombay duck
Nga hnut NE
Lobotidae Lobotes surinamensis (Bloch, 1790)
Triple tail Nga byae ma NE
Latidae Lates uwisara (Pethiyagoda and Gill, 2012)
Sea bass (L. calcarifer)
Ka ka tit LC
Act
inop
tery
gii
Perciformes
Gobiidae Glossogobius giuris (Hamilton, 1822)
Tank goby Ka tha boe LC
Scatophogidae Scatophagus argus (Linnaeus, 1766)
Scad Nga bee LC
Theraponidae Therapon jarbua (Forsskal 1775)
Therapon Nga gone kyar
LC
Sillginidae Sillaginopsis panijus (Hamilton, 1822)
Whiting Nga palwe DD
Trichiuridae Trichiurus lepturus Linnaeus, 1758
Ribbon fish Nga ta kon NT
Channidae Channa striata (Bloch, 1793
Banded snake head
Nga yant LC
Cichlidae Oreochromis niloticus Gunther, 1889)
Tilapia Tilapia NT
15
Pleuronectiformes
Cynoglossidae Cynoglossus bilineatus (Lacepede, 1802)
Flat fish tangue sole
Nga Khway shar
NE
Scorpaeniformes
Platycephalidae
Platycephalus indicus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Flat head Nga sinnin DD
Siluriformes
Ariidae
Arius thalassinus (Ruppell,1837)
Giant cat fish
Nge yaung NE
Arius maculatus (Thunbreg, 1792)
Sea cat fish Shwe nga yaung
LC
Osteogeniosus militarias (Linnaeus, 1758)
Soldier cat fish
Nga yaung NT
Siluridae
Wallago attu Bloch & Schneider, 1801
Sheat fish Nga bat NT
Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch 1794)
Butter cat fish
Nga nu than NT
Claridae Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Fresh water cat fish
Nga khu NE
Pangasiidae Pangasius pangasius (Hamilton,1822)
Butter cat fish
Nga dan LC
Bagridae
Mystus vittatus (Bloch 1794)
Dwarf cat fish
Nga Zin yine LC
Aorichtys seenghala (Sykes, 1839)
Dwart cat fish
Nga Zin yine LC
Osteoglossiformes
Notopteridae Notopterus notopterus (Pallas,1769)
Feather back
Nga phal LC
Scombraidei Anabantidae Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792)
Climbing perch
Nge byae ma DD
Siluriformes Plotosidae Plotosus canius Hamilton, 1822
Sea cat fish Pinlal ngakhu NE
Synbranchiformes
Synbranchidae
Dasyatis bricatus (Zuiew, 1973)
Rice swamp eel
Nga shint LC
Anguillidae Anguilla bengalensis (J.E. Gray, 1831)
Mud eel Nga shint LC
Elas
mob
ranc
hi
Carcharhiniforms
Carcharhinidae
Scoliodon laticaudus Muller & Henle, 1838
Spade nose shark
Nga man NT
Rajaformes Dasyatiday Dasyatis bricatus (Bloch Schneider 1808)
Ray Nga Laik kyauk
NE
Table 3. Classified list of crabs and prawn in Ywadanshe village, Bilin Township
Phylum Class Order Family Scientific name Myanmar name
1
Arth
ropo
da
Cru
scat
ean
Dec
apod
a Portunidae
Seylla Olivacea
Herbest, 1796
Mud crab Pinlal
Kanan
2 Grapsidae
Sesarma intermedian
(de Hann, 1935) Phone kanan
16
Lates calcarifer
Polynemus indicus
3
Metaplax elegans
(H Milve Edward, 1837) Chayshay kanan
4
Ocypoda
Gelesimus annulipes
Latreille, 1817
Fiddle crab Phonegyi
kanan
5
G. dussumieri
Milne Edward Monk kanan
6
Uca tetragonau
Crane, 1975
Fiddle crab Dekyin
kanan
7 Palaemonidae
Macrobranchia rosenbergii (de Man 1879) Puzonhtoke Gyi
17
Mugil cephalus
Plate 1. Some commercial fishes of study area
Tenualosa ilisha
Chrysochir aureus
18
Polynemus paradiseus
Plate 2. Some commercial fishes of study area
Otolithoides pama
19
Macrobranchium rosenbergii
Plate 3. Some commercial fishes of study area
Tenualosa toil
20
Scylla olivacea
Scatophagus argus
Plate 4. Some commercial fishes of study area
21
Table 4. Distribution and occurrence of fishes in study villages
Sr. No. Scientific Name
Sutp
anu
Boy
argy
i
Kya
ukse
ik
Zoke
kali
Yw
adan
she
Taun
ggyi
Koe
tals
u
Aun
gkan
thar
Gyo
phyu
gone
Occ
urre
nce
Spec
ies
1 Congresox talabon - - + + + - - - + 4 2 Strongylura strongylura + - - - + - - - - 2 3 Thryssa mystax + + + - + + + + - 7 4 Setipinna taty + + + - + + + - + 7 5 Coilia dussumieri + + + - + + + - - 6 6 Tenualosa ilisha + + + + + - + + + 8 7 Tenulosa toli + + + - - - - + + 5 8 Osteobrama belangeri + - - + - + - - + 4 9 O. alfredianus + - - - + - + + - 4
10 Puntius chola + - - - - + - - - 2 11 Cirrhinus mrigala + + - - - - - + + 4 12 Catla catla + + + + + - - + + 7 13 Chela fasciata - + + - - + - + - 4 14 Labeo calbasu - - - - - - + - - 1 15 Logocephalus lunaris - + - - - + - - + 3 16 Xenopterus maritus + + - - - - - + - 3 17 Mugil cephalus Linnaeus + + + + + + + + + 9 18 Rhinomugil corsula + + + - + - - + - 5 19 Otolithoides biauritus + + - + - - - + - 4 20 Otolithoides pama + + + + + + + + + 9 21 Johnius coiter - + - + + - + - + 5 22 Chrysochir aureus + - + - + + - + - 5
23 Eleutheronema tetradactylum + + - + - - + + - 5
24 Polynemus indicus + + + + + + + + + 9 25 Polynemus paradiseus + + + + + + + + + 9 26 Harpadon nehereus + + - + + - - + - 5 27 Lobotes surinamensis + - - + - - - + - 3 28 Lates uwisara + + + + + + + + + 9 29 Glossogobius giuris + - + + + - - + - 5 30 Scatophagus argus - + - - + - - - - 2 31 Therapon jarbua - + - + - - - + - 3 32 Sillaginopsis panijus + - + + + + + - + 7 33 Trichiurus lepturus - + - + + - - + + 5 34 Channa striata + - + + - + - + + 6
22
10%
13%
8%
8%13% 11%
10%
13%
14%Sutpanu
Boyargyi
Kyaukseik
Zokekali
Yw adanshe
Taunggyi
Koetalsu
Aungkanthar
Gyophyugone
35 Cynoglossus bilineatus - + - - + - - + + 4 36 Platycephalus indicus + + + - - - + - + 5 37 Arius thalassinus + - + + - - - + - 4 38 Arius maculatus + - - - + - - - + 3 39 Osteogeniosus militarias - - - + - - + - + 3 40 Wallago attu + - + + + - - + - 5 41 Ompok bimaculatus - + - + - + - - + 4 42 Clarias batrachus + - - + - - + + - 4 43 Pangasius pangasius - + - + + + - + - 5 44 Mystus vittatus + + + + + + + + + 9 45 Aorichtys seenghala - + - - + - + - - 3 46 Oreochromis niloticus + + - - - + - - + 4 47 Notopterus notopterus - - + + + - - + - 4 48 Anabas testudiueus - - + - + - - + - 3 49 Plotosus canius + - + - - - - + - 3
50 Dasyatis bricatus (Zuiew, 1973) - - - - + - - - - 1
51 Anguilla bengalensis (J.E. Gray, 1831) - - - - + - - - - 1
52 Scoliodon laticaudus - + - - - - - + - 2 53 Dasyatis bricatus - + - - - + - - + 3 Total 34 32 25 27 31 20 19 33 25 246
Fig. 2. Percentage of species occurences in different villages
23
25%
15%
5% 8%12%
23%
12%
Decapoda
Perciformes
Cypriniformes
Clupeiformes
Polynemiformes
Siluriformes
Others
Fig. 3. Group-wise (Order) occurrence of species in the study area
5%
5%
5%
7%
5%
12%
61%Cyprinidae
Engraulidae
Sciaenidae
Polynemidae
Ariidae
Ocypodae
Others
Fig. 4. Family-wise occurrence of species in the study area
Figure 3 and Figure 4 showed the species occurrence of Group-wise (Order-wise) and
Family-wise abundance.
6.1.3 Fish production The Table 5 showed the information of baby fish production of Aquaculture and
Induced breeding in Thaton Township. Figure 5, 6 mentioned the production of different baby
fish (Juvenile and fingerlings) in Aquaculture and Induced breeding site, Thaton Township,
Mon State.
The Table 6 mentioned the village profile of study village in the Gulf of Mottama.
Boyargyi village was the most population and Koetalsu village was the least populations
during the study periods.
24
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Num
ber o
f Fis
h (×
105 )
2011
-201
2
2012
-201
3
2013
-201
4
2014
-201
5
2015
-201
6
2016
-201
7
2017
-201
8 (6
mon
ths)
Years
ProductionSold
Free
Production
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
2015-2016
2016-20172017-2018 (6 months)
2011-2012
2011-2012
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
2015-2016
2016-2017
2017-2018 (6 months)
Table 5. Production of different baby fish in Thaton hatchery Site during (1.4.2017 to 30.9.2017)
Sr. No. Species Local Name
2017-2018
Estimate
Production Actual Production
% Total Sold Free disperse
1 Labeo rohita Nga myit chin 1,510,000 454,430 201,430 253,000 30.09 2 Cyprinus carpio Shwe war nga gyin 370,000 495,125 495,125 130,125 133.81 3 Puntius gonionotus Nga khone ma 250,000 393,000 393,000 143,000 157.20 4 Oreochromis niloticus Tilapia 370,000 485,000 485,000 200,000 131.08 5 Pangasius sutchi Nga dan 10,000 50,000 50,000 - 500.00
6 Piriactus branchypomum
Fresh water nga moke 10,000 50,000 50,000 - 500.00
7 Catla catla Nga thine gyaung pwa - 50,000 50,000 - Extra
Total 2,520,000 1,977,555 1,251,430 726,125
Fig. 5. Annual-wise production of baby fish
Fig. 6. Pie chart show the percentage number of baby fish in the hatchery site
25
Plate 5. The survey team in the hatchery station
26
Table 6. Village profile of study villages in the Gulf of Mottama
Sr
No. Village Name
Latitude
(N)
Longitude
(E)
No. of
House
House
Holds
Under 18 Over 18 Total
Population Male Female Male Female
Thaton
Township
16º52'04" 97º22'30" 37234 39296 50936 50883 60410 67285 229514
1 Aungkanthar 16º52'25" 97º14'15" 174 174 341 313 356 275 1285
2 Gyophyugone 16º58'55" 97º17'00" 268 287 515 579 379 358 1831
3 Hatchery
Station
16º49'20" 97º22'01" 4 Blds - - - 3 2
Bilin
Township 17º12'20" 97º16'10" 35319 37734 34804 34495 56190 62398 187887
4 Zoke kali 17º07'20" 97º12'17" 268 340 277 285 376 382 1320
5 Taunggyi 17º18'00" 97º06'30" 502 545 431 437 952 940 2760
6 Ywadanshe 17º12'55" 97º08'19" 230 245 259 235 371 360 1225
7 Koetalsu 17º13'00" 97º00'00" 66 74 80 68 85 90 323
Kyaikhto
Township
17º30'50" 97º02'30" 31162 32894 29101 28936 48111 52813 158961
8 Sutpanu 17º32'08" 96º56'00" 290 314 380 443 394 433 1650
9 Boyargyi 17º39'04" 96º59'50" 717 724 626 575 1215 1240 3656
10 Kyauk seik 17º44'00" 96º55'30" 160 166 197 165 233 254 849
6.1.4 Fishing boats Table 7 recorded the different kinds of fishing vessels that are used in the study
villages of the Gulf of Mottama. The boats are mainly divided into two kinds, medium size
and small size. All are made of wood and motorized. The fisherman repaired their boats
annually in April.
Table 8 was mentioned the variety of fishing gears used in study area. The fishing are
medium and artisanal fishery. All are stationary gears except beach seine net. Table 9 was
recorded the abundance of commercial fish in seasonally. The spawning time was estimated
for some commercial fishes.
27
Table 7. Different kinds of boats used in study area
Sr. No.
Boat (m) Kinds of
Boats
Price for New boat
Engine Power
Engine Price
Crew members
Attached Net Set
Remarks Length Width Depth
1 10.0 to 11.0 m
1.3 to 1.8m
1.1 to 1.9m
Hard woods (Ion wood, Thingan, Madama and Teak)
1,500,000 to
2,000,000
18 - 20 H.P.
130,000 200,000
3-5 men, include 1 skipper
60 - 80 Sets (1 set= 30 m) Drift gill net and Trammel net
Medium sized Boat.
2 7.0 to 8.0 m
0.8 to 1.1 m
0.76 to 1.0
m
Hard woods
450,000 600,000
6.5- 8.0
H.P.
200,000 2-3 17 - 20 sets (1
set = 90 m
Small sized Boat Purse seine 4 fishers
28
Plate 6. Medium and small fishing boats in study area
29
6.1.5 Fishing gears Table 8. Variety of fishing gears used in study areas
Sr. No.
Fishing Gear Local Name Mesh size Net Target fish Use Location Length Height
1 Fence net Thanzakar pike 8 - 25 mm 120 - 250 m 2 - 3 m miscellaneous fishes
Kyaikhto Township
2 Trammel net
Thonehtut pike 23- 25 cm 30 mm
35 m - 100 m
1.5 m Threadfin (Mango fish)
3 Townships
3 Trammel net
Thonehtut pike 25- 30 cm 5 - 7.5 cm
1000 - 3000 m
3- 5 m Croaker 3 Townships
4 Drift gill net
Hmaw Pike 7- 10 cm 1000 - 3000 m
5 - 7.5 m
Croaker, Herring Thread fin
3 Townships
5 Stow net (small)
Nga zinyine kyar pazark pike
19 - 38 mm
20 m 2- 3 m Dwarf and small fishes
Aungkanthar village, Thaton Tsp
6 Beach Seine
Thaung swe pike 25 - 30 mm
100 - 200 m 2 - 3 m Mullet Ywadanshe village, Bilin Township
7 Cast net Let pyit kon 24 - 32 mm
3 - 4.5 m 10 - 17 m
Prawn and miscellaneous
Mostly in all villages in 3 Townships
8 Eel troap Nga shint hnyone
- 40-60 cm 8-14 cm
eels Bilin Township Bamboo made
9 Push net Yintoon 10-14 mm 3-4 m 2-2.5 m small fishes Bilin
Plate 7. Fishing gear Fence Net
30
The Drift gill The Cast net
The Trammel net The Trammel net
The Set bagnet The Eel traps
Plate 8. The variety of fishing gears
31
The fence net (Pike Bawun / Thanzakar pike)
- The length of net………..120 to 250 m
- The depth of net ………...4 to 5 m
- The mesh size of net……..8 to 25 mm
- The cost of net……………180,000 kyat/set
- The target fish…………….Miscellaneous fishes
The net fence (pike bawum) is a long wall net that is mounted along river banks using
bamboo poles. It is temporary fence to enclose an area along the bank of tidal creek or river at
high tide. The net is set low tide. Fishermen fix bamboo poles along the bank at about 5 m
intervals. They used 40 to 50 bamboo poles at a time. The lower part of the net is dug into the
mud.
- At high tide, the upper parts of the net are raised and tied to the bamboo poles. At that
time the net enclosed the area and fishes are trapped inside the fence and are caught by
hand at low tide.
- The material of the main body net is knot less nylon (Rachel) net 210 D/9 with a mesh
size of 8 mm. The selvage of the bottom and upper parts of the net is PE 380 D/6 with
mesh size about 32 mm
- The fishing season is from January to December and target catch is miscellaneous fish
such as mango fish, croaker, dwarf, shrimps and others.
The trammel net (Nga ponna/ Paradise thread fin pike)
- The length of float live………….35 m/ piece
- The depth of net………………..1.5 m
- The inner mesh size…………….30 m
- The outer mesh size…………….230 to 260 mm
- The cost of net piece……………12,500 kyat
- The target catch…………………Paradise threadfin/ Mango Fish
The Nga ponna pike is a trammel net and the wetting materials is normally nylon
multifilament. The design and construction of the net is same as for Nga tha lauk pike
(trammel net). The twice size of the inner net is 210 D/2., where as that of the outer net is 210
D/ 6 to 210 D/9.
The mode of operation is similar to drift gill net as it is carried out either day or might
twice. The fishermen used eight to ten pieces nets at a time. The nets are primarily used from
April to June. The target catch are mango fish and croaker.
The trammel net (Nga tha lauk pike)
- The length of float line …………20 to 25 m/ piece
32
- The depth of net………………...2 to 7.5 m
- The inner mesh size……………..35 to 100 mm
- The outer mesh size…………….125 to 570 mm
- The cost of net pieces………….15,000 kyat
- The target catch……………….. Hilsa spp.
The trammel net consists of three layers. The two outer layers have the same twine,
mesh size and number of vertical and horizontal meshes. The inner layer has a small mesh
size, finner twice and is more slack (lower hanging ratio) than the outer layers. When the fish
outer the first layer the pass through eventually hitting the inner layer where they become
entangled thus preventing any enhance of escape. They continue, however, into the third layer
where they are impounded. The material used for the trammel net is usually nylon
monofilament. Some trammel nets make use of nylon monofilament for the inner layer and
nylon multifilament for the outer layers. The twine size of the inner layer is 210 D/2 to 210
D/12 where as that of the outer net is 210 D/4 to 210 D/12.
The setting operation of the trammel net is similar to that gill net, carried out either
day or night time. The fishermen use a long net made eight to ten pieces net each time, each
piece being 20 to 25 m long. The net is set across the tide and allowed to drift for a couple of
hours before howling. The Nge tha lauk pike are primarily used from September to January.
The target catch is hilsa (herring fish).
Drift gill net (Hmyaw pike)
This net likes as Trammel net without outer two layers. Construction and operation
are used same as Trammel net.
The Dwarf catfish stow net (Nga zinyine kyar pazark)
- The length of net ………….. 10 – 20 m
- The mouth of net Horizontal…..5 – 10 m
- The cost of net…………………..100,000
- The target catch………………….Dwarf
The net is made of polyethylene twice of 380 d/6 to 380 d/ 15. Mesh size is 75 mm at
the net mouth and down to 6 mm at the cod end. To keep the net mouth open, two vertical
bamboo poles are used as support at the side. At the two wings ends, big bamboo poles are
bamboo poles are tied to anchors or pole driven into the bottom of the river. Stow nets are
operated year- round during day or at might, usually from high tide to the lowest tide, but less
frequently during the monsoon period. The target catch is miscellaneous fish.
The beach seine net (Thaung swe pike)
- The length of the float live…………100 to 120 m
33
- The depth of net ……………………4 to 5 m
- The mesh size of net ……………….20 mm
- The cost of net……………………..1,140,000 kyat
- The fish caught ……………………Miscellaneous fish
The beach seine net consists of two long using to which a bunt or a bag is attached.
The using are rectangular tapered pieces of netting hung to a weighed foot rope and kept in
vertical position by a float live. Since the depth of the beach seine has to be level with the
depth of the water, sieves operating on steep slopes have tapered wings, where as those
operated in shallow waters have straight wings.
The most seines, the mesh size decreases gradually from using tip to bunt. The mesh
size is 20 mm at the bunt section. In some areas, 50 to 60 mud balls of about 0.8 kg each are
used as sinker at the foot rope.
Beach seines are set from the beach from the starting point in a semi-circle pattern to
another point on the beach, with the distance between those points roughly half to one- third
of the diameter of the semi-circle. To increase the area swept by the beach seine, long ropes
are attached to the wing tips. The beach seine is hauled in by teams of fishermen from both
ends, at equal speed. First the ropes are hauled in, them the wings, and finally the bunt or bag,
approaching each other as the radius of the encircled area decreases.
The fishing seasons are throughout the year except during the spring tide period and
target catch is miscellaneous fishes.
The portable cast net (Let pyit kon)
- The length of net…………… 3 – 4.5 m
- The mouth of net (circumference)…10 – 15 m
- The mesh size…………………….24 to 32 mm
- The cost of net ………………… 40,000 kyat
- The target catch…………………Prawn and miscellaneous fish
The portable cost net (Let pyit kon) has a conical shape. At the mouth of net there are
small bags where the fish are caught. The top of the net has a rope (about 5 mm diameter) so
that costing and hauling can be done nor easily.
The net is made of nylon multifilament of 210 D/3 to 4, with the wash size 24 to 32
mm, The number of meshes at the mouth of the net varies between 850 to 1400. Sinkers made
of lead are attached to the bottom edge. Every 15 to 20 cm the lead line is tie to the webbing
10 to 13 meshes above the edge to form small pockets at the bottom of the net where the
fishes are trapped
The portable cost net is operated by one fisherman, at time using a small boat. This
gear is operated throughout the year and the target catch is small fish and shrimps.
34
The eel trap (Nga shint hmyone)
- The height of trap……………….40 – 60 cm
- The diameter of trap……………8 to 14 cm
- The cost of trap ………………...1,000 Kyat
- The target catch………………… Freshwater swamp-eel
The eel trap is a vertically positioned bottle shaped trap with an entrance come on the
side, near the base. The circular entry come is 5.5 to 6.0 cm in diameter and is made of very
thin, 80 mm long, bamboo spikes that are narrowed down to 20 mm at the end of the entrance
The small bait basket is hung inside the trap. The eel trap is a very popular fishing
gear for small- scale fisher. It is operated in the flood plains and rich fields during the raining
season. The trap is tied to a wooden pole with the bottom studying on the ground and the
upper part of the trap above the water surface. A paste of fish and snails, which has a very
strong smell, is used as bait. The target catch is freshwater swamp eel.
The push net (Yin toon)
- The length of the net……………3 to 4 m
- The mouth of net……………….2 to 2.5 m
- The mesh size of net……………10 to 14 mm
- The cost of net…………………..10,000 kyat
- The fish caught………………….small miscellaneous fishes
The structure of push net (Yin toon) consist of a net and a scissor shaped 2.5 to 3 m
long bamboo frame. The net is made of 10 to 15 mm. Some fishermen use knotless nylon
netting for the main net body with the same mesh size.
The mouth of the net is linked to the scissors shaped bamboo tips to keep it open. The
shoes at the end of poles are made of wood. The fishing is carried out at daytime in shallow
waters. The gear is used near the shore and in muddy areas. The net is attached to the poles
and the fishers made in the water, pushing the net forward from time to time the net is raised
above the surface and the fishes collect the small fish and shrimp. The net are often operated
by women and children.
This fishing operation can be carried out during the monsoon. The target catch is
small fish and shrimp.
6.1.6 Abundance and spawning season Table 9. Abundance and spawning time of commercial fish species and groups in different months
Sr. No. Group / Species Jan Feb Mar
Apr (No Fish)
May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Spawing Season
1 Otolithoides pama R R R - A A A A C C R R Oct, Nov,
35
Dec
2 Polynemus indicus R R R - R R C A A C C R
Oct, Nov, Dec
3 Tenualosa ilisha R R - - R - - - R R C C Sept-Nov,
Apr-May Peak Nov
4 Tenualosa toli R R - - - - - C R R C C Agu-Dec,
Mar-Apr Peak Oct
5 Lates calcarifer C R R - R R R C A A A C Apr-Jul
6 Polynemus paradiseus R R R - A A A C C C R R Oct-Jan
7 Osteobrama spp C R R - R R R C C A A A Oct-Dec 8 Rhinomugit corsula C C R - A A A A C C R R Jan-Mar 9 Talapia C C C - C C C R R R R R
10 Anchovies R C C - C C R R C C C R
11 Freshwafer cat fishes R R C - C A A A C C R R
12 Carp groups R R R - A A A C C C C R 13 Snake head R C A - A C C A C A R R 14 Dwarf groups R C C - C A A C C R R R 15 Chrysochir aureus R R R - C C A A C C C R Sept-Jan
A = Abundance C = Common R = Rare
Plate 9. The fish walk-seller in the village
36
Plate 10. Juvenile fish and shrimp of the study area
37
6.1.7 Discussions The Gulf of the Mottama has very rich fishery resources and the most suitable place for
breeding and nursery area of aquatic forma. The Gulf is also declared in June 2017 as a
Myanmar’s Fourth Wetland of International Importance (The Ramsar Sitae no. 2299).
During the study survey, there are no Critical Endangered (CE) species in this area. In
the IUCN Red List fish species Garra flavat (Cyprinidae) and Yunnanilus brevis (Balitoridae)
was Vulnerable (VU) status (http://iucn.org). The records were expressed in Table 2 and 3.
The species occurrence and distribution were more or less found in different villages.
Sutpanu village has 34 species and is the most abundance village in the study areas. Koetalsu
village has 19 species and is the least abundance village in the study area Table 4 and Figure
2.
For the group-wise and family-wise species occurrence were examined in Figure 3
and Figure 4. The most abundant of species occurrence was Perciformes 14 species followed
by Cypriniformese and Clupeiformes, 7 and 5 species respectively. And the most abundant
species occurred in family Cyprinidae 7 species and followed by Sciaenidae 3 species.
There are 7 kinds of breeders were used to spawn in this financial year. They are
Labea rohita, Cyprinus carpio, Puntius gonionotus, Oreochromis niloticus, Pangasius sutchi,
Piriactus branchypomum and Catla catla.
The production of baby fish were recorded annually from 2011-2012 to 2017-2018
financial year. The most numbers of production baby fish was reached 7 millions in 2012-
2013 financial year for the 6 months of present financial year, (April-Sept) the young fish
production was nearly 2 million numbers.
During the study periods, the 9 villages and 1 hatchery station were surveyed and
recorded. The Boyargyi village, Kyaikhto Township has the most dense population among the
villages 3656 numbers and Koetalsu village, Bilin Township has the least dense population
among the villages 323 in Table 6.
Most of the fishermen owned the fishing boats but a little have no boat to operate
fishing. The measurement of boat and other status are described in Table 7. The fishing gears
are mentioned detail in Table 8. Fence net was only use in Kyaikhto Township.
In the present study Otolithoides pama and Polynemus indicus were nearly the same
seasonal maturation and spawning time. These two species spawning time is October to
December with distinct peak in December. The herring species Tenualosa ilisha and T. toli
marked two times per year for spawning. September to November and April to May was
spawning time for Ilisha shad with November was the peak season. August to December and
March to April was spawning time for toli shad with October was the peak season. The other
38
commercial fishes are generally spawn in March to June premonsoon and early monsoon
season.
The length weight relation of some commercial fishes are as follow:
Otolithoides pama - W = 0.0036L3.2138 (Thazin Htet)
Polynemus indicus - W = 0.0029L3.3941 (Thazin Htet)
Tenualosa ilisha - W = 0.0577L2.4223 (Khine Myat Htwe)
Tenualosa toli - W = 0.12388L2.904 (Khine Myat Htwe)
Polynemus paradiseus - W = 0.018L2.836 (Mya Mya Thet)
Chrysochir aureus - W = 0.3314L2.0298 (Ohn Mar Min)
The Anadromous fishes such as Mullet and herring are spent most of their lives in the
Ocean and swim up large rivers to spawn. The fishermen catch the adults from the marine or
estuaries environment as well as juveniles during their migration from the rivers to the sea. A
sharp decline catch was noticed by local fishermen in present time. Now environmental
becomes degradation and confront following challenges. Loss of fish species, flooding
increased run-off, river bank erosion, soil degradation, increased sedimentation, change in
water levels, irregular flow, changes in delta formation and increase salinity.
6.1.8 Conclusion The survey trips were carried out from April to September 2017. Among the project time, our
survey team was made 4 trips to study villages. During the survey trip visits were made to
towns and villages and study on the fishery and socio-economic was conducted. Interviews
were conducted and information and data were collected. The socioeconomics of the local
people was also studied through interviews. Information and data were gathered from 10
designated stations of 3 Townships. Public meetings were held and interviews were
conducted focusing on fishermen and fishing activities. In these meetings, people from all
walk of life and organizations and societies were invited and information and data collected
and recorded.
The followings are the comments based on the findings during the study trip.
As banana tissue culture and corn cultivation are undertaken only for export both should
be stopped
Avoid overexploitation, irresponsible and unsustainable exploitation of fishery resources
Stop using all kinds of destructive fishing gears prohibited by the Department of Fishery.
Avoid the fishing of spawner, fry, fingerling and juvenile during the spawning season
39
As population increases the demand for fish increases. On the other-hand the principle of
sustainable fishery should be adhered to.
Gold and Marble mining in this region lead to sedimentation and shallowing of river
water, alteration of river course, turbidity, and the detrimental effect of mercury. All these
have negative impacts on breeders and migratory fish and this eventually leads to decline
in living resources. Mining activities should be limited and effectively controlled
Tributaries and flood plains are spawning and nursery grounds for fish. Such areas should
be prevented from chemicals influx and sediment that leads to turbidity resulting in the
decline in fishery resources.
Protection of reserved forests and sanctuary should be carried out more effectively.
Fish culture should be commence for the development of fishery and fishery resources.
Education, training and capacity building should be provided for the locals in order to
improve their skill and knowledge in fish culture.
The government should provide plots of land to the locals for fish culture
The government should also provide financial assistance as far as possible
Regarding fish cultivation priority should be given to the selection of native species rather
than exotic species (or species from elsewhere)
Encourage the locals to raise chickens, ducks and pigs on a manageable basis (ta-naing-
ta-paing basis)
Apply effective law enforcement regarding laws and regulations issued by the department
of fishery.(DOF)
Regular and in time monitoring, inspection and supervision of fishery activities should be
undertaken by personals of the Dept. of Fishery.
Educate and train the locals in fishery products processing technology; not to be content
only with harvesting fishery resources.
Avoid and prevent pollution of streams, rivers and lakes or any water body.
Encourage them; educate and train them for application of scientific and modern
technology in agriculture.
Use natural fertilizers rather than chemical fertilizers for increasing the yield of crops.
If chemical fertilizers have to be used follow the regulation and guideline concerning the
uses of chemical fertilizers
For suppression of pests and insects chemicals pesticides can be applied; but not to be
applied more than necessary (not to overuse).
Suggestions
40
Laws and regulations regarding fishery, mining, resources exploitation etc.. should be
enforced and should be effective.
Employment opportunities should be created or jobs should be provided or vocational /
training for livelihood should be implemented.
The government as well as NGOs and INGOs should fulfil the local basic needs.
The governmental departments should have more cooperation with the locals
The use of destructive fishing gears; net with fine mesh are to be banned.
Migratory fish and spawning fish can no longer enter their spawning grounds due to
mining activities that lead to erosion, sedimentation, alteration of water course and high
turbidity.
Due to deforestation soil structure can no longer be maintained and this leads to severe
erosion, siltation, turbidity and pollution resulting in the decline of fishery resources.
6.2 Socioeconomics (Livelihood) The study villages lie close to the mouth of the Sittaung River and are facing the waters of
Gulf of Mottama. The present survey mainly emphasized on the socioeconomic value of
river-related communities; including their fishing, fishing-related and other income generating
activities. And also summarized overall Livelihood strategies as well as their dependency on
aquatic resources based on the household surveys conducted by our team with key issues and
challenges in sustaining the livelihoods of the communities. The main purpose of this study is
to know the necessary baseline information needed for establishing conservation of fishery
resources used by communities. Fig (7,8)
Objective Conservation of ecosystem structure and functioning, in order to maintain ecosystem
services, should be a priority target of the ecosystem approach.
The ecosystem approach should consider all forms of relevant information, including
scientific and indigenous and local knowledge, innovations and practices.
The ecosystem approach should involve all relevant sectors of society and scientific
disciplines.
The special habitats of GoM are sustainably and equitably manage on the basis of
clear scientific information and through integrated local, regional and national
institutions/management bodies.
Benefits of sustainable fishery management in the Gulf of Mottama area are shared
through effective value chains and equitable market access.
41
Vulnerable coastal communities have increased income through livelihood
diversification and improved access to non-fishery resources.
www.ebd.inf/ecosystem/principles.shtml
6.2.1 Profiles of study areas. The Fig (9) showed the ratios of the different age classes of gender in 3 townships Thaton,
Bilin and Kyaikhto. And also each village was mentioned in Table 6. The most households
have 4.7 size index in Thaton, 4.4 index in both Bilin and Kyaikhto. Concerning age group
lived in th study areas, it was recorded to be higher in middle age group, such as (15-64 yrs)
60.7% in Thaton.
Fig(7) Village wise total house-hold and fishing house-hold number
42
Fig(8) Percentage ratio of house hold and fishermen from different villages.
Town-wise population Variety of Tribes in Thaton Townshop
Thaton Township Bilin Township Kyaikhto Township
Fig (9) Population and different Tribe of study area.
43
Fig (10) Educational attainment in study area
The assessment revealed in Tab 6 and Fig (9) that women were little higher proportion
(51.49%) than men population (48.51%) at Thaton Township. The ratios were women
(51.57%) and men (48.43%) at Bilin Township and women (51.43%) and men (48.57%) at
Kyaikhto Township. Buddhist is the most dominant religion and followed by Christian and a
very few are Muslim and Hindu.
6.2.2 Education status and Health In the study areas, the level of educational attainment of the respondents showed slight
variation from each others. The literacy rates are 85.8%, 86% and 93% in Thaton, Bilin and
Kyaikhto Townships respectively. In Thaton the most of the people (70%) have elementary
level, (7%) have no formal education, (15%) as high school level and (8%) as college
graduate. In bilin the most of the people (65%) have elementary level, (18%) have no formal,
(10%) as high school level and (7%) as college graduate. In Kyaikhto the most of the people
(63%) have elementary, (16%) have no formal (14%) Fig(10) as high school and (7%) as
graduate Fig(10) The all villages have primary or post primary schools and only Boyargyi has
sub-middle school. From the result, the more number of people with no formal education
were found in Bilin and the elementary level were found in nearly equal numbers.
Table (10) The status of fishing, education, health some employment of studied villages
Sr
No. Village name
Fishing House
Education Dispen
sary
Home
Shop Monastry
Level Teacher Student
44
Hold School
1 Aungkanthar 82 Primary - - 5 1
2 Gyophyugone 53 Post
Primary 8 403 1 10 1
3 Zoke kali 93 Post
Primary 11 355 17 1
4 Taunggyi 13 Primary 6 450 21 1
5 Ywadanshe 48 Primary 2 106 9 1
6 Koe tal su 32 Primary 5 68 4 1
7 Sut pa nu 38 Post
Primary 15 568 14
3
Hindu 3
8 Bo yar gyi 86 Sub-middle
13 630 1 12 5
Primary 5 120
9 Kyauk seik 30 Primary 6 47 6 1
Fig (11) Percentage of fishing households in different villages.
The college graduate and beyond college level were more fewer in all study areas.
Between gender, the female education status in numbers is more than the male numbers, but
more males are educated than females.
The village libraries are established in the most villages in study areas. But only
Gyophyugone library is operating running condition.
45
There are no dispensary in study villages except Gophyugone, Thaton township and
Beyargyi Kyaikhto Township. One assistance Health, 1 Nurse and 3 midwives are
appointment in Gyophyugone. Two nurse and 1 midwife are appointment in Boyargyi. The
mostly villages have village – maternity – welfare-centre.
6.2.3 Primary Occupation status Fishery and Agriculture have long been central to communities living in and around the Gulf
of Mottama coastal areas. From observation results, Fig(7) and Fig(8) the village fishing
household were assessed. Zohekali (Bilin Township), Boyargyi (Kyaikhto Township) and
Aung kanthar (Thatnon Township) have the msot fishing households 93, 86 and 82
respectively. The percentage ratios of household and fisher were 47.12% and 43.24% in
AungKanthar (Thaton Township) and Kotalsu (Bilin Township) respectively. Tab(10)Fig(11)
Fig (12) % of Occupation status in different villages.
The Fig(12) assessed the occupation status in different villages. Aungkanthar,
Ywadaushe and Kyaik Seik villages were the most fishing occupation among the study
periods. Agriculture were made in plain villages and Gardening were made in mountain hills.
Above 3 occupations are the main employee in study areas.
46
Fig (13) The percentage of age group in study areas.
Based on the survey of study areas, all fisher households fished all year round except
April. In April the fisher prepared and mended their fishing gears and boats. Fishermen use
various types of fishing gears depending on the fishing operation and targeted species and
fishing season (Table. 8). Trammel nets and drift gill nets are mainly used in family fishing as
they are considered a relatively low-cost and artisanal gear, suitable for catching many fish
species in different ground. These coastal areas support a rich fishery in varied intensities,
consisting of croaker, threadfin, sea bass, mullet, anchovy, cat fish, Herring, butter fish and
crabs and crustacean (Marine, estuarine and fresh water fishes). Catches are evacuated to
local markets and fish collectors in fresh, commercial are in ice preserved.
These marine resources are used for a variety of fish products which are processing
by various methods including traditional and advanced modern techniques. Utilization of
catches in fishing villages in this study areas are really the same. An average of 86 percent of
total catches is sold fresh, 8 percent is sold as dried fish, 4 percent is processed, while the
remaining 2 percent is far home consumption. There are various ways of utilization in fishery
resources such as fresh, fresh with ice, freezing products, dried and smoke-fish, fish pasted
(fresh water) and sauces. There is no canning and fish meal industry in the study areas. Sun
drying products are produced mainly for Bombay duck, anchovy and shrimp with 50%, 30%
and 50% respectively of total products. Cold freeze for export, the fish groups such as thread
fim, croaker, ribbon fish, and other large fish are utilized.
Distribution of fishery products targeted for local, domestic and export to foreign
countries. Fresh fish were sold mainly in local markets although the dried products were
distributed to local and domestic. Cold freeze products from fish buyer (such as Mawlamyine
47
Holding Co. Ltd) were extensively sent to Yangon as well as export China, Thailand and
Malaysia.
Depending on the fish groups, landing price and market price noticeably differed.
Market price was three or two fold higher than the landing place Table(11).
Table (11). Price of a varieties of fishery products (Ks/Viss)
Sr.No Fish Group Price at
Landing centre Market Price Remarks
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Bomby duck
Anchovy
Shrimps (medium)
Croaker
Thread fin
Large commercial fishes
Trash
500
400
1000
3000
Varies
100
1000-1500
1000-1200
3000
10000
10000
up to 20000
...
Depend on size
Depend on size
Depend on size
6.2.4 Coastal and Marine Activities The coastal activities in villages are comprised of fishing and non-fishing activities. Fishing
activities are capture fisheries in nature while non-fishing activities identified are "Mya Sein
Yaung" "Fishery Association" and "Village Development Committee". Fishermen use various
devices and methods to catch fish and crabs. Most of the catch sold within and out side the
village while smaller portions are left for household consumption. Some of the households
make small-scale vegetables and Beetle nut and leaves. Some of the households make animal
husbandry Chicken, ducks, pigs and cattle.
6.2.5 Attitude towards indirect use values, option values and Bequest values of resources
"Indirect use values" are derived from ecological functions and services provided by aquatic
resources systems in terms of, for example, use of flooded forests as natural fish nurseries and
spawning and foraging grounds, maintenance of water quality, flow and storage, flood control
and storm protection, nutrient retention and microclimate stabilization. "Option value" is
48
value of preserving the option to use the resources in the future, for example, in putting aside
protected areas. "Bequest value" associated with the desire to set aside resources for future
generation.
Generally, local people recognize and value the direct economic benefits derived
from the resources in their environment. However, SocMon team looks at the community's
appreciation of their coastal and other resources beyound the direct economic benefits and
from an ecosystem perspective. Hence, five liker-type item statements were asked pertaining
to their attitudes towards indirect use values, option values and bequest values of coastal
resources in study villages of Gulf of Mottama Romsar Site (Tab.12)
Table 12. Attitudes towards indirect use values, option values and bequest values of
resources in
Sr
No Item Statement
Response Options
D
(Score 2)
NAD
(Score 3)
A
(Score 4)
SA
(Score 5)
1. Wet lands are to be protected so that we will have fish to catch
- 15 12 10
2. Coastal regions are only important for fishing and cultivation
- 14 32 3
3. I want future generation to enjoy the coastal habitats - 9 27 8
4. Fishing should be restricted in certain areas to allow fish and aquatic animal to grow
4 6 16 2
5. We should restrict development in some coastal areas for future generations to have natural environments
- 13 19 5
Total
4
2.05 %
57
29.23 %
106
54.35 %
28
14.35 %
D = Disagree, NAD = Neither agree nor disagree, A = Agree, SA = Strong agree
49
Agreement (54.35%) indicate positive attitude is given a score of 4, neither agree
more disagree(29.23% is given a score of 3, (14.35%) is given strongly agreement, a score of
5 and only (2.05%) is given the lowest score of 2, a response of disagreement. The highest
ratings were given to item 3 I want future generation to enjoy the coastal habitats and item 5
restricting development in some coastal areas so that future generations will be able to have
natural environments. The result indicates that people attitudes are generally very positive
with respect to the indirect non-market contribution of mangroves and habitat to fishery and
option and bequest values of resources.
6.2.6 Climate hazard Most household in study areas are faced with climate impacts such as storm, storm surges,
beach erosion, salt-water inundation, flood, climate related land or mud slide. Ywadauske
(Bilin Township) and Kyaukseik (kyaikhto Township) villages are more affected by beach
erosion and flooded. The dams such as Zikekaye, Mayankone, Seikkyun are built in Thaton
township to protect salt-water inundation and the paddy field are presented from sea water
flooded.
6.2.7 Perceived threats to resources River-related communities are usually the direct users of the resources, they are presumed to
be knowledgeable not only on the condition of their resources but also on their associated
threats. From the interviewing results, mangrove trees and upland forests are in poor
conditions because they still consider cutting them for housing materials as fuel, either as
firewood or charcoal or commercial use as a major threat and natural phenomenon (cyclone,
big waves). There are also threats to other resources. Since the beach is near residential
settlements, a major threat cited is pollution garbage dumping, mining, indicating that waste
management is still an issue in the community and natural phenomena such as sea level rise,
cyclones, and big waves. Other cdited threats are river bed changing or reforming, sand and
pebble quarrying, both for commercial and household uses, and soil erosion from the uplands
and residential area expansion. Key threats to rivers/creeks include water pollution, dumping
of garbage, soil erosion/upland sedimentation, and natural phenomenon (e.g cyclones).
Meanwhile, threats to ground water include natural phenomenon, deforestation/ cutting of
trees in watershed, pollution/dumping of garbage, water contamination due to sewage,
expansion of residential settlements, tourist and resort related development, overexploitation
for household use and salt-water intrusion.
6.2.8 Material style of life We the SocMon Team, do not attempt to measure the household income because in rural
villages whereby income is not officially declared. Instead, the variable "material style of life"
is used as a substitute. Hence, as a proxy variable, this is used as a rough measure of
50
economic status of the households. Material style of life was quantified as an aggregate
ordinal value derived from scoring the type of the household's residential structure with
respect to roof and structural walls. In most of study villages, 50% of the households have
middle material life of style as reflected in their use of materials such as tin/wooden. Nearly
25% of the households have houses that are predominantly made of brick/ concrete and 15%
use thatch/bamboo and the remain 10% are poor conditions, Fig(14). From the field collected
data it was noted that they have fair income and just enough to cover important household
expenses.
Fig(14). Percentage of material style of life in study areas.
6.2.9 Conclusion Fishing is an important activity for the majority of households in the study villages of the
Gulf of Mottama. Nowadays, aquatic resource dependent communities of those coastal areas
face several challenges in sustaining their livelihoods. From ecological and environmental
perspectives, they are vulnerable to short and long-term climatic variations effects. Such
changes can also be induced by human activities, such as deforestation, use of pesticides in
agriculture and land development, dam construction, and mining, etc. Other kinds of activities
with adverse impacts on fisheries catches and thus income to communities, are use of illegal
and destructive fishing gears and over fishing. As commonly found around the world,
population growth, social and economic conflicts due to declining resources, increasing
fishing pressure, changes in ownership and access (to resources and markets) are some of the
issue face in sustaining livelihood of people living in and around the coastal areas in the
mouth of the Sittaung River. So, clear study, survey and discussion should be needed to their
livelihood concerns, such as secured access to resources and basic rights to food security,
jobs, education and health care for about sustainable management of fisheries and aquatic
ecosystems of Gulf of Mottama fishing villages.
51
Comment and Suggestions Most of the locals are backward and have very Limited knowledge, skill and general
knowledge. In this regards all round improvement is necessary.
The standard of higher education, health and skill should be raised.
Communication of the area should be developed, more road should be built, existing
road should be upgraded.
Gold mining and other mining in this region led to sedimentation and shallowing of
river water alteration of river course, turbidity and the detrimental effect of mercury.
All these have negative impacts on breeders and migratory fish and this eventually
leads to decline in living resources.
Mining activities should be limited and effectively controlled.
Logging and cutting of trees should be limited as trees and forest stabilize climate.
The production of fuel wood and charcoal also lead to deforestation, this should be
also limited and controlled.
Reforestation, replantation and creation of plantation for fuel wood should be
undertaken at all villages.
Rare and endangered wildlife (including migratory birds) should be protected and
conserved, foraging grounds should be also preserved.
Educate the locals to realize the value of the Sittaung River and basin, its tributaries
and flood plain as good natural habitats and also valuable sources for living resources,
eg. fish, wildlife... so to maintain the ecosystem and the healthy river is of great
importance for the locals. Educate them until environmental conservation idea is
ingrained in their mind sets.
In order to have adequate government service personals for the region the locals
should be prioritized for employment in government services.
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Recommended